“It is definitely a different kind of racing compared to South Africa,” shares Charlissa Schultz after arriving back after another taste of European racing.
In 2019, she was the only Junior girl to join a group of Junior boys on a 3-week trip to Belgium.
This time round she headed over in the u/23 age category but because bunches were mixed, she competed with the Elite women.
Compared to her first trip, which was significantly shorter, Charlissa now participated in 20 races in just over 9 weeks.
“This experience was much more fun, especially having the opportunity to share it with fellow Saffas. A bonus was that they were female.” Says Schultz.
“Getting a top 20 in a race was one goal of mine and I achieved it. So, I’m really happy with that one.”
While Charlissa isn’t completely satisfied with her results, she is proud of her many of them and is happy to have learned something new in each race.
“Racing in these big bunches was something to get used to and I wish I could have stayed longer to build on my skills and experience. But my studies called me back home.”
Given the opportunity, she would do it again but spend a longer period of time.
